Jardin botanique de Bayonne, Botanical garden at ramparts in Bayonne, France.
The Jardin botanique de Bayonne is a botanical garden situated on a bastion within the city's Vauban fortifications. The space spreads across a terraced layout with pathways that pass a Japanese bridge, waterfall, and pond where approximately 1000 plant species flourish.
The site was originally a cattle shelter that was transformed into a garden in the late 1990s. This renovation brought purpose back to an abandoned structure within the historic fortifications.
Plants are organized by color and scent rather than scientific families, creating distinct zones that visitors experience through their senses. This approach makes the garden feel more personal and intuitive than a traditional botanical arrangement.
The garden is accessible during the warmer months with free admission and offers flat, solid pathways for exploring all areas. The space is compact enough to tour thoroughly in an afternoon without needing much planning.
The pathways feature recycled materials integrated into their construction, reflecting a sustainable approach to the space. The site also houses a notable collection of Japanese maples that anchor the eleven themed plant groupings throughout the garden.
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